| Remember when takes a look back at the local stories from the files of The Messenger that took place 1, 5, 10, 20 and 30 years ago.
30 Years Ago
Nov. 23 — Union City celebrated an 8-3 football season with its annual year-end banquet. Among those receiving individual accolades were Aaron Dearmitt, best offensive back and MVP; Tim Davis, Headhunter Award, best linebacker and Leadership Award; Tracy Bruff, best receiver and special teams; Willie Smith, most improved; Ray Smith, best defensive back; Phillip Mathis, best defensive end; Scott Denaberg, best offensive lineman and Kevin Payne, best defensive lineman. The Tornadoes beat SBEC of Memphis 8-6 in the 12th annual Civitan Bowl to cap their campaign.
Nov. 24 — Longtime Obion County Central girls’ basketball coach Elvin Hatch made a triumphant return to Troy as the skipper of the Dyer County girls as the previously-winless Lady Choctaws stunned the district-favorite Rebelettes 63-45. Hatch had spent 12 seasons in charge of the Central girls, winning eight district titles and leading them to three state tournaments during that time OC’s boys dominated the nightcap, Cannon Whitby with 23 points and Bubba Hollis with 14 in an 85-56 win.
20 Years Ago
Nov. 23 — No. 2-ranked MUS ended Union City’s season for the second straight year in the second round of the Class 2A state football playoffs with a 21-6 over the Tornadoes in Memphis. The loss spoiled what was otherwise a landmark season for UC, which posted the only unbeaten, untied regular season in school history and established a new UCHS record with 11 wins. Keith Radde scored the Twisters’ lone TD in wet and sloppy conditions vs. the Owls.
Nov. 25 — The Obion Central boys’ basketball team turned to Plan B to snap Union City’s 43-game district winning streak and a 23-game overall run with a 66-55 win over the Tornadoes. With their perimeter attack cold (1-for-18 from beyond the arc), the Rebels pounded the ball inside to Ryan Dyer (20 points, 15 rebounds) and Matt Harris (12 points, 12 boards) to triumph before a standing-room-only crowd in Troy. Anthony Davis had a game-high 24 points for UC. The Lady Rebs continued their dominance over Union City in the first game as Cortney Neeley erupted for 31 points in a 73-60 triumph. Benita Fitzgerald scored 24 for UC.
10 Years Ago
Nov. 22 — The Ridgemont girls won their sixth straight to open the middle school basketball season with a 46-26 triumph over Rutherford. Molly Ledbetter and Kayla Holloway had eight points apiece, while Randi Kaye Walker was good for seven. The Mustang boys were not as fortunate, dropping the nightcap 47-39 despite 12 points each from Trey Pruett and Steven Weaks.
Nov. 25 — Obion Central’s girls were impressive in their opener, scoring the game’s first 21 points in a 56-35 rout of Halls in the first game in the tenure of head coach Spencer Hoffman. Kirstin Hayes had 13 points and Jenna Roney had 12 for the Lady Rebels. The Central boys dropped a 64-61 decision.
5 Years Ago
Nov. 27 — Pat Polk of Union City was named the Messenger-Obion County Prep Player of the Year. Polk led all of Obion County in rushing, scoring and return yards, and was second in receiving and among the Twisters’ top tacklers. Other gridders honored with individual awards at UC’s annual fall sports banquet included Darrin Dickerson, Stevie Gossett, Ian Garrigan, Josh Nicks, Cameron Sherwood, Luke Sanderson, Taylor Bruff, Peter Wilkes and Cameron Graham. Katie Potter and Landon Nipp received golf accolades.
Nov. 28 — The Union City boys’ team won its home opener and improved to 4-0 overall with a 79-45 drubbing of Dresden. B.J. Marshall had 17 points for the Tornadoes, while both MJ Brown and Tony Wilkins tallied 12 each. The Lady Twisters were still in search of their first win after dropping a 40-35 decision in the opener. Doreal Strayhorn led Union City with 13 markers.
1 Year Ago
Nov. 23 — Obion Central beat the South Fulton girls for the second time in a week with a 68-47 victory, while the Red Devil boys avenged an earlier loss to OC with an 80-74 triumph in the nightcap of an Obion County hoop doubleheader. Paige Hicks led the Lady Rebels with 22 points, while Taleeah Cross had 18 for SF in Game 1. The boys’ contest saw Jordan Davis hit for 24 to help South Fulton square their slate vs. the Rebs.
Nov. 27 — Amber Fair helped Union City to a pair of wins over opponents from larger classifications in the Westview Thanksgiving Classic. Fair had a game-high 21 points in the Lady Twisters’ 48-38 victory over 3A Munford, then went coast-to-coast for a game-winning layup in the final seconds in a 37-35 triumph over Jackson Northside. Published in The Messenger 11.23.12 |
